Top Photography Spots to Tick Off in Beijing

Beijing is filled with amazing photo spots, and here are some must-visit locations that I personally recommend. From the ancient grandeur of the Forbidden City to the modern skyline of the CBD, and even the magic of Universal Studios, these spots perfectly showcase the blend of old and new in Beijing.

📷 All photos were taken with a Fujifilm XT5 + XF1655.

📌 Temple of Heaven – Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic structure is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
• 📍Shooting location: Head to the Guxi Gate behind the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and use the gate's frame for composition. An ultra-wide-angle lens works best here. For a crowd-free shot, either be among the first to enter in the morning or set up a tripod and use multiple exposures to remove people in post-processing.

📌 The Forbidden City – Corner Towers

• These picturesque towers mark the corners of the vast Forbidden City, offering stunning views of this ancient imperial palace, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• 📍Shooting location: The best spots are the northeast and northwest corner towers. For sunset shots, head to the northeast tower; for sunrise, go to the northwest tower. At other times, you can choose either depending on your preference.

📌 The Forbidden City

• One of Beijing's most famous landmarks, the Forbidden City is the largest ancient palatial structure in the world and a symbol of China's imperial history.
• 📍Shooting location: Jingshan Park offers the perfect vantage point for capturing a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It's a popular spot, so arrive early to secure a position directly facing the central axis.

📌 Beijing CBD and the Little Louvre

• Capture the juxtaposition of modern Beijing's soaring skyscrapers and the European-inspired architecture of the Little Louvre from this unique vantage point.
• 📍Shooting location: The best spot is from an office building near Fangcaodi, where you can capture both the Beijing CBD skyline and the Little Louvre in a single frame.

📌 Universal Studios Beijing – Hogwarts Castle

• Experience the magic of the Wizarding World with a photo at Hogwarts Castle, a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.
• 📍Shooting location: There are many great angles around Hogwarts Castle in Universal Studios Beijing, but this particular viewpoint is my favorite.

📌 Universal Studios Beijing – Optimus Prime Statue

• Stand beside the mighty leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, for a memorable snapshot at Universal Studios Beijing.
• 📍Shooting location: While this is a common photo spot at Universal Studios, I added some special effects to make it stand out.